An automatic transmission option and several other power and body updates are set to inject new life into VW's fledgling line of utes.

New Amarok an exercise in utility

Volkswagen will launch automatic and single-cab versions of its workhorse Amarok ute in about seven months.

The commercial vehicle director for VW Australia, Phil Clark, could not confirm the precise model line-up of the single-cab Amarok, including the possible inclusion of a locally conceived, range-topping ''Ultimate'' model.

He said the final line-up would be determined early next year.

Clark hinted that only the base Amarok and second-tier Trendline models might be offered for the single-cab variant but confirmed that two-wheel-drive, 4motion selectable four-wheel-drive and 4motion permanent all-wheel-drive would be available.

The Amarok is currently available with just one engine and transmission combination: a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged 120kW diesel engine that produces an impressive 400Nm of torque and is linked to a six-speed manual transmission.

The absence of an automatic option will have deterred some buyers but VW's new eight-speed auto gearbox, announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year, is expected to change that.

The auto-equipped vehicle on show was fitted with a new 132kW version of the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine and featured stop/start and a claimed consumption of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres (manual models are rated at 7.9L/100km).

The show model also featured a boost in torque to 420Nm and the towing capacity was 200 kilograms higher at 3.2 tonnes.

The auto gearbox is likely to be an added-cost extra across all diesel models, including the single-cab Amarok. Volkswagen also offers a less-powerful 90kW/340Nm version of its diesel engine in markets around the world and that could make sense in the lighter single-cab model.

Volkswagen is also expected to launch a petrol variant of the Amarok in Australia before the end of next year.

The petrol version, which is already on sale in some countries, is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 118kW of power and 300Nm of torque. The coming single-cab version will be available with an integrated rear well or as a cab-chassis, allowing customers to install their own body or tray.

Some might be put off by Volkswagen's decision not to create an ''extra-cab'', which not only provides additional legroom but a secure and dry location to store tools, documents, bags and briefcases.

The single-cab's well-back body is 60 millimetres longer than the dual-cab model's, measuring 2205 millimetres long and 1222 millimetres wide. The big tray is sure to prove popular with tradespeople, as it will be able to easily accommodate commonly used 2400-millimetre-long building sheets with the tailgate down.

Volkswagen also claims the tray can fit two standard-size pallets end-to-end with space left over.

Clark also confirmed the first Amarok dual-cabs in cab/chassis specification are ''on the water'' and due here in a matter of weeks. He says this will give owners the chance to install purpose-built aluminium or steel bodies.

Volkswagen Australia launched the dual-cab Amarok late last year, with models appearing in dealer showrooms very early in 2011.

The company has sold just 1809 Amaroks in the 10 months since it went on sale.

To put that in perspective, in an average month, Toyota sells more than 3100 HiLuxes.